A New Mural for "Out of the Blue" (2026)

The Salt Lake City Public Art Program seeks to commission a Salt Lake County-based artist or artist-led team to design and install a new mural for "Out of the Blue," a beloved whale sculpture located in the roundabout where Harvey Milk Boulevard, 1100 East, and Gilmer Drive meet. Created by artist Stephen Kesler in April 2022, the sculpture has become an iconic landmark and gathering point for the 9th & 9th neighborhood. The Public Art Program commissions a new mural for the sculpture every three to five years through a rotating mural program, creating a dynamic visual centerpiece that evolves with the community.

The selected artist will create a mural informed by community input from the "What's Next for the Whale?" Shape SLC survey, which received over 1,700 responses. The mural should celebrate the neighborhood's creativity, inclusivity, and local character while serving as a welcoming entrance to the 9th South Corridor. The design should evoke curiosity, delight, and imagination, be engaging from all 360-degree viewing angles, and embody the whimsy and joy associated with "Out of the Blue" while connecting to Salt Lake City's natural and urban landscape.

The total commission budget is $12,500, inclusive of all project costs including artist fee, insurance, materials, transportation, and installation. The City will cover lift rental and anti-graffiti coating materials separately. The mural is expected to remain in place for a minimum of five years. Up to four finalists will be selected to enter the design development phase. Artist-led teams are welcome, with the team leader required to reside in Salt Lake County.